Maple Glazed Brussel Sprouts

If you want a simple, delicious side dish for Thanksgiving, maple glazed Brussel sprouts are a great choice. These Brussel sprouts are baked until crispy on the outside and tender inside, then coated with a sweet maple glaze that adds depth and flavor. This recipe brings together the natural earthiness of Brussel sprouts with the rich, sweet taste of maple syrup for a balanced dish everyone will enjoy.

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You can make this side dish quickly, and it pairs well with traditional Thanksgiving foods like turkey and stuffing. The maple glaze helps highlight the sprouts’ flavor without overpowering them, making it an easy way to impress guests with a vegetable dish that’s both tasty and satisfying.

Adding a touch of bacon or balsamic vinegar can create even more flavor dimensions if you want to experiment. Either way, these maple glazed Brussels sprouts will likely become a favorite at your holiday table.

Maple Glazed Brussel Sprouts Recipe for Thanksgiving

This recipe uses a simple mix of ingredients to create a sweet and savory glaze that coats crispy Brussel sprouts. You’ll learn exactly what you need, how to cook them to a perfect caramelized finish, and ways to serve them that impress.

Essential Ingredients and Substitutions

You need fresh Brussels sprouts, maple syrup, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. These ingredients create a balanced sweet and tangy glaze that complements the sprouts’ natural flavor.

If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for acidity. For oil, any neutral oil like avocado or vegetable oil works, but olive oil adds the best flavor. Use pure maple syrup, not imitation, for the best taste.

For a twist, add crushed garlic or a pinch of chili flakes for heat. You can also toss in toasted nuts or dried cranberries after cooking for extra texture.

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds Brussel sprouts, trimmed and halved
2–3 tablespoons olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for tanginess)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
¼ cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the halved Brussel sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet, cut side down for maximum caramelization.

Roast for about 20–25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the sprouts are golden brown and tender. Remove from the oven, drizzle with maple syrup and balsamic vinegar, and toss to coat. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes to let the glaze set. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and toasted nuts before serving, if desired.

Tips for Achieving Perfect Caramelization

Use a hot oven to get crisp edges and soft centers. Keep the Brussel sprouts spaced out on the pan so they roast instead of steam.

Don’t add the glaze too early; apply it near the end of cooking to prevent burning. Toss the sprouts gently after glazing to coat them evenly.

If you want extra caramelization, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, but watch carefully to avoid charring. Salt helps draw out moisture, so season well before roasting.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation

Serve the maple glazed Brussel sprouts warm. They pair well with roasted turkey or ham on your Thanksgiving plate.

Add toasted pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds on top for crunch. For color and a flavor contrast, sprinkle dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds over the finished dish.

Use a shallow serving bowl or a wide platter so the sprouts don’t steam after plating. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to brighten the presentation and flavor.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations

You can easily adjust this recipe to fit different diets and tastes. Whether you want to avoid animal products, add extra flavor, or prepare ahead, there are simple ways to do it without losing the dish’s appeal.

Vegan and Gluten-Free Options

To make your maple glazed Brussel sprouts vegan, skip any butter or bacon. Use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute instead. For a glaze, mix maple syrup with a splash of balsamic vinegar to keep it rich and tangy.

Most maple glazed Brussel sprouts recipes are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any added ingredients like bacon or vinegar to ensure they don’t contain gluten. This way, you keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive guests.

Incorporating Nuts or Bacon

Adding nuts or bacon can give your Brussels sprouts extra texture and flavor. Crispy bacon bits add a smoky, savory touch. For a vegetarian version, use smoked tempeh or coconut bacon.

If you like nuts, toasted pecans or walnuts work well. Sprinkle them on after roasting to keep them crunchy. This adds a nice contrast to the tender sprouts and sweet glaze.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare the Brussel sprouts a day ahead to save time on Thanksgiving. Roast them, then cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge.

To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy.

Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days. You can also toss cold Brussel sprouts into a salad for a quick, flavorful side.

Follow my Thanksgiving Side Dishes board on Pinterest.